Residential Boarding Up in Stevenage (SG1–SG19)
When your home has been damaged—whether it’s a smashed window, a forced door, or a break-in—getting it secured quickly helps protect your family, your belongings, and the building itself. We provide residential boarding up across Stevenage and the wider SG postcode area (SG1–SG19), with DBS-checked technicians and full insurance in place for your peace of mind.
If you need emergency boarding up in Stevenage, the most important thing is to make safe and secure the property without making the damage worse. We’ll talk you through what to do on the phone, give you a realistic ETA (we don’t promise fixed arrival times), and then attend to install temporary boarding that keeps your home protected until repairs can be completed.
Need help now? Call 01438 594 023 for immediate assistance.
When residential boarding up is needed (typical home scenarios)
Most call-outs for houses, flats, maisonettes and HMOs fall into a few common situations. If you’re reading this after something has happened, you’re not alone—these incidents are stressful, and it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do first.
Smashed or cracked windows (ground floor, side access, or rear)
A smashed window can turn into a security risk immediately—especially if the property will be unattended overnight. Even if the hole is “only small”, it can still be used to reach handles, unlock doors, or widen the opening.
People often call us to board up broken window openings after:
- Accidental impact (ball damage, DIY accidents)
- Vandalism
- Break-ins
- Storm debris
If it’s actively raining or windy, boarding also helps reduce ongoing water ingress while you arrange glazing repairs.
For specialist detail, see: window boarding in Stevenage.
Forced or damaged doors after a break-in attempt
A splintered timber door, snapped locks, or damaged frames can leave you unable to secure the property—sometimes even if the door still shuts. In these cases, we can board up door openings and advise on the next step (locksmith, joiner, or door replacement).
If your doorway is too compromised for normal boarding methods, we may recommend a temporary steel door for more robust medium-term security—particularly if the home is empty or the repair timeline is uncertain.
Related guidance: door boarding in Stevenage and burglary repairs and boarding up.
Storm damage to windows, doors, rooflights or vulnerable openings
High winds can loosen frames, dislodge panels, or cause falling debris to strike glazing. We’re often asked to secure:
- Broken panes and cracked double-glazed units
- Vulnerable patio doors and side doors
- Rooflights/skylights where there’s a risk of water ingress
If the opening is overhead or access is restricted, we’ll discuss safe access options before attending.
Learn more: storm damage boarding in Stevenage and roof boarding.
Fire damage (securing only, not clean-up)
After a fire, the property may have broken windows, compromised doors, or missing panels where the fire service has gained entry. Our role is to secure property openings and reduce the risk of further entry or weather damage.
Important: smoke/odour remediation and internal clean-up are outside our scope—we focus on making the building safe and secure.
Read more: fire damage boarding up.
Flood-related swelling and doors/windows that won’t secure
Flooding can swell timber frames and leave doors misaligned or insecure. In some cases, homeowners need temporary security while the property dries and repairs are planned. Ventilation can also be a consideration—we’ll explain what’s possible without compromising security.
Read more: flood damage boarding up.
Vacant homes between tenancies, probate, or long repair timelines
If a residential property will be empty for a while, standard plywood boarding may not be the best fit. You may need a more durable solution (and one that reduces the risk of repeated break-ins).
If your situation involves an unoccupied home, you may also want: vacant property boarding up.
How we board up residential properties (materials and methods)
Residential jobs need a careful approach: you want the home secured, but you also want to avoid unnecessary damage to frames, brickwork, and finishes. The right method depends on the opening type, condition of the frame, and how long the boarding needs to stay in place.
Choosing the right board: plywood vs OSB
We typically use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable coverage—especially for larger or higher-risk openings
- 12mm OSB for smaller openings where appropriate
We’ll select materials based on security needs and the shape/size of the opening, and we’ll explain what we’re installing and why.
Fixing methods: security first, minimise damage where possible
Whenever practical, we use non-destructive or low-impact fixing methods that still provide solid security. For example:
- Reveals fixing (within the window/door recess) to reduce leverage points
- Anti-tamper fixings to make removal from outside much harder—important if the home will be unattended
- Boarding shaped and positioned to cover the vulnerable points (handles, locks, latch areas)
If the frame is already too damaged for a non-destructive approach, we’ll tell you before proceeding and discuss options.
Making safe vs longer-term temporary security
Sometimes the priority is simply to make safe (remove immediate risk and secure the opening for the night). Other times—particularly after repeated vandalism or where a property is vacant—you may need more robust, longer-term solutions such as security screens.
We’ll talk through the likely timeline for repairs and recommend a sensible, proportionate option.
What to expect when you call us (residential process)
If you’re dealing with a break-in or damage at home, it helps to know what will happen next.
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Call and explain what’s happened
Tell us what’s damaged (window/door/rooflight), whether the property is occupied, and if there are any safety concerns (loose glass, exposed wiring, unstable frames). -
We’ll give you a realistic ETA
We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times—workload, traffic and the nature of emergencies varies—but we prioritise urgent calls and will be honest about attendance expectations. -
On arrival: assessment and plan
We’ll check access, measure openings, and confirm the best fixing method. If anything changes from what you described, we’ll explain before we start. -
Installation and securing
We install boarding to deter entry, reduce weather exposure, and stabilise vulnerable points where possible. -
Documentation for your records/insurer
Where needed, we can provide:- Itemised invoice
- Work statement describing what was secured
- Time-stamped photos (useful for insurance and landlords)
For urgent call-outs, visit: emergency boarding up.
Practical steps: what to do right now after damage at home
If your window has been smashed or your door forced, these steps can help while you wait:
- If a crime has occurred, call the police first and keep your reference number.
- Don’t touch glass or disturbed areas if you suspect a break-in—there may be forensic considerations.
- Take photos if it’s safe (wide shot + close-ups). This can help with insurance claims.
- Keep people and pets away from broken glazing and unstable frames.
- If you can isolate the room safely, close internal doors to reduce draughts and keep the area contained.
- Call your insurer early if you plan to claim. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide documentation insurers typically request.
More guidance: insurance claims support.
Residential properties we commonly secure in the SG area
Residential boarding up isn’t one-size-fits-all. A ground-floor flat with shared access needs a different approach to a detached home or a managed block.
We regularly help with:
- Owner-occupied homes (urgent boarding after break-ins, accidents, storm damage)
- Private rentals (landlord or agent arranging security between repair visits)
- Blocks of flats (communal glazing risks, shared entrances, access constraints)
- HMOs (urgent safety concerns, safeguarding, faster make-safe decisions)
- Empty homes during probate, refurbishment, or between tenants
If you’re managing a building rather than a single dwelling, you may also find this relevant: commercial property boarding up.
Coverage: boarding up in Stevenage and SG postcodes
We cover Stevenage and surrounding SG postcode districts (SG1–SG19). Whether you’re in town or in a nearby village, the goal is the same: secure property quickly and leave you with clear documentation for your next steps.
You can also view nearby area pages for more local detail:
If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, check areas we cover or call and ask.
Residential boarding up FAQs (Stevenage & SG area)
Do you do 24/7 boarding up for houses in Stevenage?
Yes—if you need 24/7 boarding up or out of hours help, call us and we’ll advise and prioritise urgent jobs. We can’t promise fixed arrival times, but we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone and attend as quickly as possible.
Can you board up a broken window tonight?
In many cases, yes. If you need to board up broken window openings tonight, call us with the rough size/location (front, side, rear; ground floor or upstairs) and whether access is clear.
Will boarding damage my window frames or brickwork?
We aim to minimise additional damage and use sensible fixing methods. Sometimes the frame is already too compromised, or security requirements mean stronger fixings are needed. If that’s the case, we’ll explain options before proceeding.
What should I do if my door has been forced and won’t lock?
If a door has been kicked in or the lock area is split, treat it as insecure even if it still closes. Keep everyone safe, call the police if appropriate, and call us to board up door openings or discuss more secure temporary options.
Do you provide paperwork for landlords and insurers?
Yes. We can provide an itemised invoice and a work description, and we can take time-stamped photos where required. We’re not loss adjusters, but we provide the documentation insurers typically need.
Can you secure a flat if the damage is in a communal area?
Often, yes—although access and permissions can affect what’s possible. If you’re a leaseholder, tenant, managing agent or freeholder, call us and tell us exactly where the damage is. We’ll advise the best next step.
I’m in SG1/SG2—do you cover my area?
Yes. We cover Stevenage including SG1 and SG2, and also the wider SG postcode area. If you’re not sure, call and we’ll confirm coverage.
Can you board up after vandalism even if nothing was stolen?
Yes. Vandalism can still leave dangerous glass and obvious entry points. If you’ve had a smashed window or repeated damage, we can secure the opening and discuss options to reduce the chance of repeat incidents.
Related residential services (when you want more detail)
- window boarding in Stevenage
- door boarding in Stevenage
- roof boarding
- vandalism repair and boarding
- accident damage boarding up
Need help now? Call 01438 594 023 to arrange residential boarding up in Stevenage or anywhere across SG1–SG19. If it’s easier, you can also email us and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
